YouTube surprise: old iPhones and iPads now without an app supply!

YouTube surprise: old iPhones and iPads now without an app supply!

Kosmo, Österreich - On June 4, 2025, YouTube set support for several older Apple devices without notice. With the update to version 20.22.1, the YouTube app now only runs on devices with iOS 16 or newer. This applies, among other things, the iPhone 7, iPhone 6S, the first iPhone SE and various iPad models, such as the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 4. The iPod touch of the 7th generation is also affected. These devices are no longer able to update to iOS 16, which permanently refuses to access the popular video platform.

users were not actively informed about this change, and only vague information can be found in the App Store. Many users only noticed the problem when the app no ​​longer started. Instead, only the use of the mobile website m.youtube.com remains. Although this is still accessible, some comfort functions such as background playback and offline mode are missing. This incident illustrates how quickly older technology can become obsolete in today's digital world. Kosmo reports that the jump from iOS 15 came unexpected for many users and the update of the YouTube app for the affected has significant consequences.

All affected devices at a glance

The exact list of devices affected by this change includes:

• iPhone 7 and 7 plus
• iPhone 6S and 6S Plus
• first iPhone se
• iPad Air 2
• iPad mini 4
• iPod touch of the 7th generation

These models represent a technical development that has progressed rapidly in recent years. In fact, iOS 16.0, which brought the new minimum requirements for the YouTube app, only published it in September 2022, together with the iPhone 14, which introduced many new functions, such as a new lock screen and passkeys. macwelt emphasizes that this is a clear change in the software strategy of YouTube.

software obsolescence and their effects

This incident is not to be considered isolated, but reflects a bigger problem: the software objectolescence. According to the Environmental Office Obsolet are many devices through software changes, which limit their usability. This often happens through constant software updates and the lack of important functionalities, especially in the dependence on cloud services. The internal structures and compatibility between different product generations are crucial for how long devices can remain operational.

The challenges associated with the use of networked devices are diverse. Consumers should make sure that main functions work without an internet connection. In addition, you should obtain information about guaranteed cloud services and the necessary hardware requirements for the full range of functions in order to avoid short-term obsolescence. The discussion about consumer rights, transparency and sustainability is becoming increasingly important in today's technology landscape, especially in view of the fact that many household and entertainment devices are increasingly internet and software.